STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The borough's movie lovers flocked to the new Batman film today, undeterred by the awful carnage in a theater in suburban Denver — where a gunman’s bullets killed 12 and wounded scores — and comforted by the presence of NYPD officers.

Not that there was any dearth of sympathy for the victims at the midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.”

“I felt bad that it happened because that’s sad. ... It can happen anywhere but I’m confident that it won’t here,” said West Brighton resident Willy Sotoj, who went to the UA Staten Island Stadium 16 in Mariners Harbor today to see the movie with friends.

Gregg Scarola, a former New Springville resident and owner of the Atrium Stadium Cinemas in Eltingville, said that despite today's shooting, several showings at his theater were sold out.

“We have never had an incident here. It’s a neighborhood theater and we get a good crowd,” said Scarola, adding that he was initially worried about the local reaction, but knows many parents feel comfortable sending their children to his establishment.

Regal Entertainment Group — which owns UA Staten Island Stadium 16 as well as UA Hylan Plaza 5 in New Dorp — said in a statement released today that the company was profoundly saddened by the Colorado tragedy.

“The security and safety of our guests and staff is always our number-one priority. As is our custom, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our security needs as necessary,” the statement read.

The NYPD, in an effort to allay moviegoers’ fears, posted police officers at about 40 theaters citywide that are showing the film.

“As a precaution against copycats and to raise the comfort levels among movie patrons in the wake of the horrendous shooting in Colorado, the New York City Police Department is providing coverage at theaters where ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is playing in the five boroughs,” said Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

The extra security comforted moviegoers as they entered theaters here.

“I’m not worried at all. Added protection, in the long run, is the absolute best thing for the people,” said Dayne Ball of Westerleigh.